Casting and harpooning gun



2 Sheets-Sheet l c. R. KLEIN CASTING AND HARPOONING GUN Filed Feb. 13, 1934 Aug. 24, 1937.

c. R. KLEIN 2,090,731

CASTING AND HARPOONING GUN Filed Feb. 13, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l v 'l' mv-l .nl l 72 9o 92 65 d 62 70 67 66 Patented Aug. 24, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT ENCE.

4 Claims.

This invention relates to a casting and harpooning gun and a general object of the invention is to provide a practical and effective pneumatic gun for harpooning and for casting fishing lines, etc.

Another object of the invention is to provide a line casting and harpooning gun that doesV not require cartridges or explosive charges and that makes but little noise when fired or operated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pneumatic harpooning and line casting gun that is easily manipulated and that may be readily directed or aimed in any desired direction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a line casting and harpooning gun of the character mentioned that is compact, light in weight, and that may be readily mounted on supports of various characters or held by the user.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pneumatic casting and harpooning gun that includes a manually operated pressure developing means for use in short range harpooning and casting, and a manually operated pressure developing means for building up higher or increased pressures for long range harpooning and casting.

Another object of the invention is to provide a line casting and harpooning gun that has an improved simplified universal mounting adapting it for application to supports of various shapes, etc.

A further object of the invention is to provide a casting and harpooning gun that may carry a reel for the harpoon line or fishing line or that may temporarily carry a shing pole during the casting of its line,

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of typical forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference may be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the device or gun of the present invention showing it attached to a support and carrying a reel. Fig. 2 is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 2-2 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse detailed sectional View taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. l. Fig. ll is an enlarged transverse detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 4 4 on Fig. l. Fig. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of the outer portion of the gun illustrating the outer sight in the upright position and showing a harpoon in the gun barrel.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of the inner portion of the gun showing the inner sight in the upright position. Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed sectional view illustrating a portion of the manifold and a check valve. Figs. 8 and 9 are enlarged transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 8 8 and 9-9, respectively, on Fig. 5. Fig. .1G is an enlarged fragmentary detailed seotional view taken substantially as indicated by line lil-I0 on Fig. 1 and Fig. l1 is a side elevation of the gun illustrating a shing pole in position on the gun. l

The device or gun of the present invention is adapted for use in various situations and for various purposes. The gun may be readily mounted on boats, piers, etc. and is useful as a harpooning gun and for the casting of fishing lines, the advance lines of breeches buoys, etc. Throughout the following detailed disclosure I will describe a typical preferred form of the invention employed in several different manners. it being understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the specific details about to be set forth, but is to be taken as including any features or modifications that may fall within the scope of the claims.

The device or gun of the invention includes generally a mounting I0, a cylinder or body II having a pressure chamber I2, means I3 for supplying airfunder pressure to the chamber I2, means I4 for developing increased or higher pressures for the chamber I2, a barrel I5 from which the harpoon or cast object is ejected, a trigger controlled valve I6 for admitting air under pressure from the chamber I2 into the barrel I5, and other parts, the details and functions of which will be hereinafter described.

The mounting I0 is provided tocarry the gun proper an-d in accordance With the invention is such that the gun may be aimed or directed in any direction as desired. It is a feature of the invention that the mounting I 0 is such that it may be applied to objects or supports of various characters, for example it may be connected with the gunwale of a boat or the rail of a boat or pier. The mounting I IJ includes a clamp I8 for gripping or connecting with a support. The clamp I8 may be a C clamp having a body or jaw of substantially C shape Whose open side or mouth is adapted to receive the support S. A clamp screw I9 is threaded through an opening in the lower arm of the C clamp I8 and carries on its inner end a rotatable pad or head 20 for engaging the support S. The lower end of the screw I9 is provided with the usual or typical handle. A pad or block 2| may be provided on the upper jaw of the clamp I8 for engaging the support S. The block 2| may be removable and may have grooves 22 slidably receiving the ilanges 23 of the clamp. In the drawings I have shown the mounting I attached toa tubular cylindrical support S and the block 2I is designed to effectively cooperate with such a support. It will be apparent how the screw I9 may be threaded inwardly to tightly and securely connect the clamp I8 with the support S in the desired or proper position.

The C clamp I5 has a ilat upstanding eXtension 24 on its upper end. A lateral or horizontal shaft 25 projects from the extension 24. A block or disc 26 is rotatable on the shaft 25 and washers 21 of ber or other material are arranged on the shaft at the opposite ends of the disc. The mounting I5 includes means for yieldingly resisting turning of the disc 26 on the shaft 25. A plate 28 is arranged against the outer washer 21 and an adjustable nut 29 is threaded on the outer end portion of the shaft. A helical spring 30 is arranged under compression between the plate 28 and the nut 29 to hold the assembly of the disc 25 and washers 21 clamped between the plate 28 and the clamp extension 24. The opposite ends of the spring 30 may seat in suitable cups 3I. The nut 29 may be adjusted along the shaft 25 to vary the action of the spring 3U. Turning or rotation of the disc 26 is at all times yieldingly resisted by the action of the spring 30 so that the disc 26 remains stationary until the gun is deliberately tipped, as will be hereafter described. A pin or stud 32 projects radially from the disc 26 to carry the gun. A spacer or sleeve 33 surrounds. the lower portion of the stud 32.

The cylinder or body II is an elongate structure and is hollow, providing the pressure reservoir or chamber I2. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings the body II is cylindrical in transverse cross section and its inner end is closed by an integral head. The valve means I6 normally closes the outer end of the body chamber I2 as will be subsequently described. The body II projects inwardly over the mounting I6 and is supported on the stud 32. The spaced webs 34 extend around the body II and project -downwardly therefrom. The two webs 34 are connected by one or more plates 35. The webs 34are suitably attached tol the body II and serve as frame members or connecting members of the gun. A lug 36 projects from one of the plates 35 and has an opening 31 for receiving or passing the stud 32. The lower end of the lug 36 engages or rests on the sleeve 33 and the lug is adapted to rotate or turn on the stud. A set screw 36 may be provided for releasably setting or locking the lug 36 against rotation on the stud 32, whereby the gun may be releasably held against turning on the stud. It is believed that it will be apparent how the gun may be swung about the axis of the shaft 25 and swung or pivoted about the axis of the stud 32 to be aimed'in any desired direction. A suitable pressure gauge G is provided for indicating the pressure in the chamber I2.

The means I3 for supplying air under pressure to the body chamber I2 is a manually operated means which may be employed to develop the air pressure for ejecting the harpoon or object on the line for medium or short range use, and may be used for building up an initial pressure in the chamber I2 which may be increased or raised by the means I4 when higher pressures are required. The low pressure developing means I3 includes a cylinder 40 which may be arranged adjacent and parallel with the body II. In the particular arrangement illustrated in the drawings the cylinder 4I) is spaced directly below the body II. The cylinder 40 extends through aligned openings in the webs 34 and is` suitably connected with the webs. In practice the cylinder 4D is somewhat smaller in diameter than the body II and is shorter than the body. A cap 4I is screw threaded on the outer end of the cylinder and projects beyond the inner end of the body Il. A breather opening or port 42 is provided in the cap 4I to communicate with the interior of the cylinder. A tubular valve member 43 is threaded in the outer end of the cylinder 40 and the passage of air through its opening is controlled by an inlet valve 44. The inlet valve is normally held closed by a spring 45 arranged under compression between the outer end of the member 43 and the stem of the valve. A perforated protective cap 46 may enclose the spring 45 and the projecting valve stem.

An air discharge port communicates with the interior of the cylinder 46 adjacent the outer end of the cylinder and a conduit 41 extends from this port. The conduit 41 connects with a manifold 48 which has communication with an inlet port 49 in the body II. The port 49 communicates with the chamber I2 at its forward or outer end. The conduit 41 is preferably formed of flexible tubing whereby it may be easily disconnected or removed. A check valve is provided in the branch of the manifold 48 connecting with the conduit 41. The flow controlling assembly of the check valve 55 may be what is commonly termed a valve inside, and of the type that is employed in the valve stems of the inner tubes of vehicle tires. This assembly comprises a stem 5I, carrying a valve head 52 and normally held in a position where the valve is closed by a spring 53.

A rod 55 slidably passes through an opening in the cap 4I and carries a piston 56 for operation in the cylinder 40. A handle 51 is provided on the projecting outer end of the rod 55. The handle 51 may be similar to a pistol grip or a gun stock to facilitate the handling and aiming of the gun. The handle 51 may be readily gripped and held when the rod 55 is reciprocated to operate the piston 56 in the cylinder. Means may be provided for releasably locking the rod 55 and handle 51 against movement when the gun is to be aimed and discharged. A tapered pin 58 may be passed through registering openings in the cap 4I and the rod 55 to lock the rod 55 against movement. The pin 58 is readily removable and is preferably carried by a chain 59. Reciprocation of the piston 56 in the cylinder 45 forces air under pressure into the chamber I2 of the body II.

The means I4 is provided for supplying air under comparatively high pressures to the chamber I2 when it is desired to eject the harpoon or casting object at a high velocity and with great force. The means I4 is in the nature of a cylinder and piston means and includes a cylinder 60 arranged at one side of the body II. The cylinder extends through openings in the webs 34 and is suitably attached to the webs. The cylinder 60 is smaller in diameter than the cylinder 4U and its outer end is closed by a cap 6I. A tubular valve seat 62 is threaded into the outer end of the cylinder and is normally engaged by a valve 63. A spring 64 acts on the stem of the valve 63 to normally yieldingly hold the valve in its closed position. A perforated protective cap 65 may enclose the spring 64 and the projecting portion of the valve stem. A rod 65 is slidable through an opening in the cap 0| and carries a piston 6l for operation in the cylinder |50. A suitable operating handle or knob S8 is provided on the projecting portion cf the rod 65. A conduit 09 extends from a discharge port in the outer end of the cylinder 60 to a branch of the manifold 88. The conduit 59 is preferably formed of rubber tubing or other flexible tubing whereby it may be readily removed. A check valve is provided in the branch of the manifold to prevent air under pressure from backing up into the cylinder 60. The check valve TI may be identical with the check valve 50 de- .scribed above. After the means I3 has been operated to create an initial pressure in the chamber I2 the high pressure developing means I4 may be operated to increase the pressure on the air in the chamber I2. Either of the conduits 4l or 63 may be removed to permit the connection of a pipe or line with the manifold 48 to supply the chamber I2 with air under pressure from a power operated compressor or the like.

The gun barrel I5 projects outwardly from the body 'I2 of the valve I5. The barrel I5 is adapted to receive and carry the harpoon, missile, or Weighted object connected with the line to be cast. The inner end of the barrel I5 is screw threaded into a socket 'I3 in the outer end of the valve body 12. The longitudinal opening or bore 'I4 of the barrel I5 is open at its outer end for the reception and ejection of the harpoon or missile and its inner end is in communication with the interior of the valve body 12. In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention the barrel I5 is adapted to receive missiles and objects or weights of various characters. In Figs. l and 5 of the drawings I have shown a harpoon H arranged in the barrel I5. The harpoon H has a shank 15 which fairly accurately slidably fits the bore ll of the barrel. The inner end portion of the harpoon shank 'I5 may be provided with suitable sealing grooves. In practice it may be found desirable to'make the shank 'I5 hollow or to construct it of relatively light material such as aluminum. The active portion of the harpoon H comprises a stem 'I6 projecting from the shank 'I5 and one or more barbs 'il on the stem. The stem I5 and the barbs '|'I may be comparatively heavy in weight so that the harpoon H will travel in the desired manner when ejected or discharged from the barrel. Fig. l1 of the drawings illustrates an object or weight W connected with a shing lino and introduced into the barrel I5 prior to the discharge of the gun. The portion of the weight W which projects from the barrel I5 may be plain or cylindrical and provided with suitable means for connecting with the shing line and for carrying leaders, etc.

The valve I6 may be manually operated to admit air under pressure from the chamber I2 into the bore 'III of the barrel |5 to expel or discharge the harpoon H or the weight W. The valve I6 includes the valve body 'I2 interposed between the body and the barrel I5. The longitudinal passage in the valve body 'I2 extends from the chamber I2 to the inner end of the bore M. A valve stern 8| of fluted or triangular cross section is slidable in the passage 80 and carries a valve head 82 for cooperating with a seat at the outer end of the passage 80. Spaced posts 83 project from the inner end of the valve body I2 and carry a transverse plate 84. A spring 85 is arranged under compression between the valve head 82 and the plate 84 to normally yieldingly hold the valve head 82 in its closed position and to automatically return it to the closed position after being opened. A transverse opening 80 intersects the passage 80 of the Valve body and a cam 81 for opening or unseating the valve head 82 is arranged in this transverse opening, The cam 8l is in the nature of an eccentric disc carried by a pin 88. Upon turning of the pin 88 the cam 81 is adapted to cooperate with the end of the valve stem 8| to shift the valve stem and unseat the valve head 82. One end of the pin 88 rotatably seats in a socket 89 in the valve body '12, while the other end portion of the pin extends through an opening in a bearing 90. The bearing S0 is threaded into an opening 9| in the Wall of the valve body '|2. The opening 9| is suiiiciently large to pass to the cam 81 after the bearing 90 has been removed and the pin 88 has been disengaged from the socket 89.

In accordance with the invention the valve I6 is adapted to be opened or operated by a trigger at the inner end of the gun. The means for operating the valve I5 includes a crank wheel or disc 92 on the projecting outer end of the pin 88. A crank or link 93 is pivotally connected with the disc 92 at a point spaced from its axis. The link 93 extends inwardly to a point above and adjacent the cap 4|. A depending trigger 94 is pivotally supported by lugs 95 on the cap lII. A lever arm 96 is provided on the trigger 94 and projects upwardly at one side of the cap 4 I. A suitable pivotal connection 91 is provided between the lever arm 96 of the trigger and the link 93. A spring 98 is connected with the disc 92 for automatically returning the cam 81 and the trigger 94 to their normal positions when the trigger is released after being operated. Pulling or operation of the trigger 94 results in movement of the link 93, turning of the disc 92 and cam 81 to;`

cause unseating of the valve 82, whereupon air under pressure from the chamber I2 enters the bore 'I4 of the barrel I5 to forcibly expel or discharge the harpoon H or the weight W. A trigger nger |50 is provided on the link 93 at a' point between its ends for use when the user holds the stock 5'! at his shoulder.

Suitable sights may be provided on the body II and the barrel I5. The sight on the barrel I5 may comprise a rod |00 carrying at its outer end a ball |0I. The rod |00 projects outwardly from a ring |02 which surrounds the barrel I5. The ring |02 is rotatable on the barrel I5 so that the sight ball |0I may be arranged in different rotative positions. The sight provided on the inner end portion of the body I I includes a ring |03 surrounding the body. A rod |061 projects from the ring |03 and carries an upstanding ring |05 having radial webs |06 carrying an inner ring |01. The supporting ring |03 is rotatable on the body II so that the sight ring |05 may be positioned as desired. It will be apparent how the two sights may be positioned and related so that the ball I0! and the target may be sighted through the small inner ring |07. Set screws 9 may be provided to cooperate with sockets 8 to ject from the gun in inclined positions when a reel or other object is provided on the gun as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings.

A shiftable or adjustable handle ||0 may be provided on the cylinder 40. The grip or handle I I0 may consist of a ball supported on the outer end of a rod. The rod of the handle ||0 projects from a ring II which surrounds the cylinder 40. The ring is rotatable and longitudinally shiftable on the cylinder so that the handle may be adjusted as desired. A set screw lI I2 may be provided to releasably hold the handle I I0 in the desired position.

As hereinbefore pointed out the device or gun of the present invention may be employed for various purposes. Fig. 1 of the drawings illustrates the harpoon H projecting from the outer end of the barrel I5 prior to operation or di"- charging of the gun. A line |20 is connected with the harpoon H, and extends rearwardly over a guide pulley |2| to a suitable spool orv reel 22. The line guiding pulley |2| is rotatably carried by a ring |23 which may be readily slid over the outer end portion of the barrel i5 and releasably set in position by a set screw |24. When the pulley |2| is used it may be necessary to turn the ring |02 to a position where the sight ball I is spaced at one side of the pulley. The invention includes means for detachably connecting the reel |22 with the body A lug on one of the webs 34 isl provided with a socket or recess i3d. The recess |30 occurs directly above one of the plates 35 and a loose sleeve |3| is shiitable cn this plate. In mounting the reel |22 the usual flange |33 of the reel is arranged on the plate 35 so that its outer end portion is received in the recess |30. The sleeve |3| is then passed over the other end portion of the flange |33 to retain the reel in position. When the pulley 2| and the reel |22 are mounted on the gun as described above the sights may be arranged to project from the gun at suitable angles and may be aligned so that the ball |0| of the outer sight is aligned with the ring |07 of the inner sight. Figs. l, 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings` illustrate the sights in positions for use when the pulley l2! and the reel |22 are mounted on the gun.

Fig. 5 of the drawings illustrates a line ifl connected with the harpoon H and extending inwardly. The line may be Wound on a suitable reel or may be attached to a buoyant body such as a keg, or the like, with which the fish may fight when harpooned. Where the line |40 from the harpoon H extends inwardly clear of the gun the sights may be arranged in their upright operative positions, as illustrated in Figs. 5, 6, 8 and 9. Fig. 1l of the drawings illustrates an adaptation or application o the invention wherein a typical fishing pole P is removably or temporarily attached to the gun. The pole P may carry a reel R and the line from the reel R may extend through the usual guides on the pole and be attached to the weight W. One or more leaders Ill' for carrying the fishing hooks may be connected with the line M5 or with the weight W as illustrated in the drawings. Spring grips |41 may be provided on the body II of the gun to temporarily connect the pole P with the gun when 0 the gun is red or discharged to expel thc weight W, and thus cast the line |45. Spaced projecting guides |48 may be provided on the barrel I5 to retain the outer portion of the pole P in its proper position on the gun. After the line |45 5 has been cast by the gun the pole P may be readily disconnected from the gun and used in the usual manner.

It is believed that the operation of the casting and harpooning gun provided by the invention will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed description. Assuming that the gun is mounted on the support S by the` means I0 and carries the reel |22 and the guide pulley |2I, as illustrated in Figs. l, 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings,

the gun may be prepared for operation or use by reciprocating the piston rod 55. Manual reciprocation of the piston rod 55 of the low pressure developing means causes air under pressure to be supplied to the chamber I2. Where it is desired to re the harpoon H at short or medium ranges suiiiciently high pressures may be provided in the chamber I2 by the manual operation of the means I3. If it is desired to re the harpoon H a greater distance it may be necessary to operate the high pressure developing means I4 to provide higher pressures in the chamber I2. After operation of the pressure developing means I3 the pin 58 may be arranged in the openings in the cap di and the rod 55 to lock the rod and the handle or stock 5'! against movement.

The gun may be readily aimed or directed in any required direction and if necessary or desired the sights described above may be employed in aiming the gun at the iish or target. To fire or discharge the gun the trigger Sil is pivoted to cause turning of the cam 8'! and unseating of the valve 82. This unseating or opening of the Valve 82 is sudden and permits the sudden discharge of the air pressure from the chamber I2 into the bore 'I4 of the barrel. The harpoon H is forcibly ejected from the barrel at a comparatively high velocity and carries with it the line |20. Upon releasing the trigger S4, after the operation or discharging of the gun, the spring 98 returns the link 33 and the trigger to their normal positions and the spring 85 recloses the valve 82. Another harpoon may be positioned in the barrel I5 and the desired or proper air pressure may be again supplied to the chamber I2 by the means I3 and/or I4 to provide for the further ring of the gun. It is believed that the manner of employing the gun for various purposes will be readily understood. When casting the line |45 of the lishing pole P the iiring or discharging of the gun results in the forcible expulsion or projection of the weight W from the barrel I4 and the line |125 is carried with the weight and thus cast.

The mounting I0 is such that the gun may be easily and quickly attached to supports of various sizes and characters and allows for the easy and accurate aiming of the gun. Further, ii desired, the mounting Iii may be disconnected from the support and the gun may bc held by the usci' when fired. When employed in this manner the stock 5l may be held against the shoulder and the trigger ringer E55 may be engaged and pushed to open the valve 82 in discharging the gun. The device or gun provided by the invention is cornpact and light in weight, and simple and inexpensive oi manufacture.

Having described only typical forms and applications of my invention, I do not Wish to be limited or restricted to the specific forms and applications herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

l. A casting and harpooning gun of the character described including a body having a chamber, a barrel connected with the outer end of the body and having a bore for receiving the object to be ejected, a triggerl controlled valve for governing communication between the 'chamber and bore, and means for supplying air under pressure to the chamber including a cylinder having valved communication with 'the chamber, a piston in the cylinder, a reciprccable rod connected with the piston and projecting from the cylinder at the inner end of the body, and a handle rigid with the projecting portion of the rod for operating the rod and forming the stock of the gun.

2. A casting' and harpconing gun of the character described including a body having a chamber, a barrel connected with the outer end of the body and having a bore for receiving the object to be ejected, a trigger controlled valve for governing communication between the chamber and bore, and means for supplying air under pressure to the chamber including a cylinder having valved communication with the chamber, a piston in the cylinder, a re'ciprocable rod connected with the piston and projecting from the cylinder at the inner end of the body, a handle on the projecting portion of the rod for operating the rod shaped to form the stock of the gun, and means for holding the rod against movement when the handle is used as the gun stock.

3. A casting and harpooning gun including a body having a chamber, a barrel connected with the outer end of the body and having a bore for the reception of the object to be ejected, a trigger controlled valve for governing the admission of air under pressure into the bore from the chamber, means for developing pneumatic pressure for delivery to the chamber, and separate means for developing higher pneumatic pressures for the chamber.

4. A 'casting and harpooning gun including a body having a chamber, a barrel connected with the outer end of the body and having a bore for the reception of the object to be ejected, a trigger controlled Valve for governing the admission of air under pressure into the bore from the chamber, manually operatable means for supplying air under pressure to the chamber, and independently manually operatable means for developing higher pneumatic pressures for the chamber.

CARL R. KLEIN. 

